Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
An Adventure Steeped in Mythology
Available Batches
Brief Description
Itinerary
Day 1
Dehradun (640M) to Sari Village (2,000M)
If you have signed up with Bikat for a drive from Dehradun to Sari, our day starts early. All of us assemble at the meeting point by 7 in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Sari – a quiet hamlet deep in the laps of the Himalayas. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 8-hour drive and settling into the mountain air, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons:
One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads in the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark.
Sari is a picturesque hamlet in the Ukhimat block of the Rudraprayag district bordered by oak and rhododendrons trees which are also a constant throughout the trek. Declared an eco-tourist village by the government of Uttarakhand, this quiet farming hamlet rests peacefully in the lap of the Himalayas far away from the noises of the city. Patterns formed from the dozens of paddy fields on the many slopes of the mountains in the village make for a neat design soothing to the eye. Expect to reach this peaceful haven by early evening to be welcomed by some warm smiles into a warm homestay.
Day 2
Sari (2,000M) to Deoriatal (2,400M)
Today is a short and easy day with a gradual ascent all the way to the campsite right next to this marvel of an alpine lake – the first highlight of our trek. The trail takes us through the thick forests of oak and rhododendrons on a well-laden path to reveal a placid Deoriatal at its short end. We have all day to gaze at this beauty as it reflects the changing hues of the day in its clear waters. Overnight in tents.
Day 3
Deoriatal (2,400M) to Baniya Kund (2,600M) via Rohini Bugyal
Today is a long day but one filled with immaculate beauty as we walk through thick forests ablaze with rhododendrons of various hues which get thicker and thicker in density as we advance. The path goes through the Kedarnath Sanctuary. If you look closely, you may find some of the animals and birds that inhabit this region. The trail today also offers up some magnificent views of the big peaks as it promised to do. The thicket of these blooming colors gives way to a clearing which is the meadows of Rohini Bugyal. And just a little further from here is another spectacle to behold which is our destination for the day: Baniya Kund. This will be our home for tonight and tomorrow night.
The distance for today may be long but the climb is not very strenuous. The trail goes up and down to cover a total of 200M of ascent for today.
Day 4
Baniya Kund (2,600M) to Chandrashila (3,700M) via Tunganath to Baniya Kund (2,600M)
Today is two high points bunched in one on a path that takes us on well-marked trails. The day starts early so we have a chance to catch the first rays of the sun from the Tunganath Temple. The trail alternates between birch trees and meadows to take us to Tunganath and then onwards towards Chandrashila Top which presents the most glorious views of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Range. Tunganath to Chandrashila Top which lies at 3,700M is a fairly steep climb but the trail for today is otherwise gradual.
After our venture for today, we return to Baniya Kund for the night.
Day 5
Baniya Kund (2,600M) to Dehradun (640M) via Sari (2,000M)
We retrace our steps back to Sari to get our drive back to Dehradun. Expect to reach Dehradun by late evening.
What's Included
- Meals (Veg+ Eggs) during the trek starting dinner on Day 1 till morning tea on Day 6
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges. Included only upto amount charged for Indian Nationals
- Trek Equipment : Sleeping Bag, Mattress, Camping Tent on Twin sharing, Toilet Tent, Kitchen & Dinning Tent
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, porters & mules for carrying common luggage
- Services of a Mountaineering Certified Trek Leader
- Safety equipment & micro spikes- gaiters (if required).
What's Not Included
- Meals during road journeys
- Transportation from Dehradun to Sari and back to Dehradun.
- Carriage of Personal Bags (offloading) during the trek.
- Any kind of Outdoor Insurance covering emergency evacuation.
- Any expense of personal nature.
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Since deoriatal Chandrashila is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he begins the trek. Running is recommended.
1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
1. How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
Deoriatal Chandrashila is one trek that gives so much in exchange for so little. This easy, year-long trek treats you to a mythological story about the journey of the Pandavas (of the Mahabharat fame!) at every corner and rewards you with the best views of the giants in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas. The climax of this trek is made of clear and unobstructed views of giants such as the Gangotri range of mountains, Thalaysagar, Nanda Devi, Bandarpoonch, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Kedarnath, and Trishul to name a few. If you are new to trekking, this trek will introduce you to all the splendor of the mighty Himalayas as it generously reveals all the natural beauty and mythological secrets for you to witness.
Best time to do Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is in the months of December to March.
The starting point of this trek, Sari is well connected by road from Dehradun/Haridwar & Rishikesh. Once can hire a private taxi or board a public bus early in the morning to reach Sari.
Intermittent network is available on the trail
There are a number of places to visit in Dehradun and Mussoorie. Sahastradhara, a ‘thousand fold water spring’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The waters of the spring are believed to have medicinal properties. Robber’s Cave or Guchhi Pani is a famous picnic spot for fun-loving enthusiasts. Visit the holy Tapkeshwar temple on the bank of Asan River which is believed have one of the oldest Shivling. Enjoy the splash at much-touted Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. The highest place in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Admire the Kumaon and Garhwal Art & Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre.
The minimum age limit for Kedarkantha trek is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians.
If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
When you arrive in Dehradun you will be transferred to Sari, your stay will be made at local guest house or homestay in Sari. The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email few days prior the trek.
On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will be also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks.
Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.
If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable.
There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
You will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants.
There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item.
Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food.
The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack. Visit: http://rent.bikatadventures.com
In winters, during the day, the temperature will range from 10-15 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -8 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
On Deoriatal Chandrashila trek you can expect snows from December to March. It is difficult to expect snow during summers or monsoons.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack.
In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek.
We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. Visit: http://rent.bikatadventures.com
Dehradun has a sufficiently large market. However, do not leave anything for last minute buying as there will be no time for shopping because of immediate transportation to Sari. Sari is a very small village and it would be difficult to find anything major there. Minor toiletries are available.
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
The pickup will be from Outside ISBT, Dehradun at 7:00 AM to Sari (the base village of the trek) and the drop on the last day will be at the same place in Dehradun by/before 9:00 PM.
Expect to reach Dehradun late in the evening. Make sure your bookings from this point to your respective destinations are late in the night, post 22:00 Hrs or early in the morning on the next day.
It is mandatory to carry ID Proof for the trek.
(Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried along)
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
Reviews
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Trekkers' blog
(English translation: Go slowly, enjoy the nature!)
This message is now etched in my mind and is exactly what I did on my trek to Deoriatal and Chandrashila. Working with Bikat Adventures has given me the golden opportunity to go places where not ma...
Read full
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